Attempted homicide charge added in Lincoln Terrace stabbing

By Andy McNeil

Staff Writer

Katie Roupe / Observer-Reporter

Tracy Medlen of North Franklin Township waived his preliminary hearing on charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment and attempted homicide for allegedly stabbing Brandon Sarasnick in the chest in December.
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A North Franklin Township man accused of stabbing a Washington man last month outside a home in Lincoln Terrace now faces a charge of attempted homicide.

Tracy Medlen, 20, of 253 Roosevelt St., already had been charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment for allegedly stabbing 24-year-old Brandon Sarasnick in the chest Dec. 29, court records show. Prosecutors added the attempted homicide charge Monday, explaining it was appropriate based on the allegations of the complaint.

A preliminary hearing had been scheduled to take place Monday afternoon before District Judge Robert Redlinger, but the defense elected to waive the charges to court.

A Washington woman also faces charges for failing to provide police with Medlen’s name or whereabouts. Shelissa Chandler, 30, of 340½ E. Prospect Ave., is charged with hindering apprehension, court records show.

According to police, Chandler gave Sarasnick a ride from a Canton Township bar to 204 Lincoln Terrace, where they joined the home’s resident inside.

Medlen reportedly entered the residence uninvited and got into an argument with Sarasnick. He allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and chased Sarasnick and Chandler out of the home. While they were outside, Medlen allegedly stabbed Sarasnick in the lung, police said.

Medlen and Chandler left in her vehicle, despite Sarasnick’s pleas for help after Medlen reportedly forced the victim away from the vehicle. Police said Chandler denied giving a ride to Medlen, who initially was identified as Trey Pound.

Sarasnick was taken to Washington Hospital and transferred to UPMC-Presbyterian hospital in Pittsburgh.

Chandler remains free on $5,000 bond. Medlen was remanded to the Washington County jail on $25,000 bond.